NJ A1636

Classifies 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a psychoactive alkaloid found in kratom, as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance in New Jersey, defining it as having high abuse potential and no accepted medical use

Prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of any product containing 7-OH, with manufacturers and distributors required to issue immediate recalls for affected products

Requires retailers to remove recalled products within 48 hours of notice and return inventory to manufacturers/distributors within 30 business days at the manufacturer's expense

Establishes escalating criminal penalties for violations: fourth-degree crime for first offense (up to 18 months imprisonment, $10,000 fine), third-degree for second offense, and second-degree for third or subsequent offenses (5-10 years, up to $150,000 fine)

Follows FDA recommendations from July 29, 2025 to schedule 7-OH, citing concerns that concentrated products sold in gas stations, vape shops, and online can contain up to 500% more 7-OH than naturally occurs in kratom and may be as addictive as opioids